System and method for improving personality traits

ABSTRACT

A system for improving personality traits is provided. The system includes at least one processor configured to provide an option to a user for selecting at least one personality trait from a plurality of personality traits. The processor is also configured to suggest at least one alternate personality trait for selection based on the personality trait selected by the user, and allow selection of at least one of the suggested alternate personality traits or proceed with the earlier selection. The processor is further configured to suggest one or more actions based on the personality trait selected by the user, wherein the action is to cause an improvement in the selected personality trait of the user.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The subject matter in general relates to personality traits. Moreparticularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to atechnical solution for improving personality traits.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Human beings have several limitations that may hold them back fromachieving their full potential. Some of these limitations relate tolimitations in their personality traits, and may be existent by reasonof the environment they are subjected to and/or their genes. It is wellknown that overcoming these limitations may enable one to lead a morerewarding life. Hence, research has been ongoing to find solutions thatmay enable one to overcome limitations associated with their personalitytraits.

Conventionally, a person who thinks he has some deficiency in hispersonality trait may approach a medical professional, who may provideinstructions to address the issue. However, the person has to be selfmotivated to follow all the instructions diligently. Many might lack therequired motivation to follow the instructions.

On the other hand, some may be hesitant to discuss issues concerningtheir personality traits, and hence may not even seek professional help.In such cases, there is a possibility that their condition maydeteriorate further.

In many instance one may not seek professional help because they maythink that the issue relating to their personality trait may not beserious enough to seek professional help. However, addressing the issuesrelating to such traits as well might lead to a more rewarding life.

In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for a technicalsolution that may enable a person address issues concerning hispersonality traits.

SUMMARY

An embodiment provides a system for improving personality traits. Thesystem includes at least one processor configured to provide an optionto a user for selecting at least one personality trait from a pluralityof personality traits. The processor is also configured to suggest atleast one alternate personality trait for selection based on thepersonality trait selected by the user, and allow selection of at leastone of the suggested alternate personality traits or proceed with theearlier selection. The processor is further configured to suggest one ormore actions based on the personality trait selected by the user,wherein the action is to cause an improvement in the selectedpersonality trait of the user.

Another embodiment provides a system for improving personality traits.The system includes at least one processor configured to suggest one ormore actions to cause an improvement in a personality trait of a user,and determine change in status of the personality trait based on userdefined position of a status of the personality trait, actions performedby the user among the suggested actions, effectiveness of the actionsperformed by the user on the personality trait and deterioration ofimpact of the actions on the personality trait.

Yet another embodiment provides a method for improving personalitytraits. The method includes providing a digital scale operable by a userto select a position on the scale, wherein the position is indicative ofthe user's perception of his character corresponding to the selectedpersonality trait. The method further includes determining a currentstatus of the personality trait at least based on the user selectedposition on the scale and actions performed by the user, and allowingthe user to alter the determined current status of the personalitytrait. Further, the method includes calibrating future determination ofthe status of the personality trait based on difference between thedetermined current status and the status altered by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in theFigures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicatesimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 for improving personalitytraits, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for improving a personality trait, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3A illustrates a user interface 112 that enable a user to enter asearch query for selecting a trait he wishes to work on;

FIG. 3B illustrates a user interface 112 displaying an information pageassociated with a trait “stress”;

FIG. 3C illustrates a user interface 112 displaying a scale 308 that isoperable by a user to select a position on the scale 308 indicative ofthe user's perception of his character corresponding to a selectedpersonality trait “stress”;

FIG. 3D illustrates a user interface 112 displaying a list of actions310 to choose from to reduce stress;

FIG. 3F illustrates a user interface 112 displaying an information pageassociated with an action “power pose”; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for determining status of a selectedtrait, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system and method are provided for improving personality traits. Thesystem may include an application executed by at least one processorconfigured to provide an option to a user for selecting at least onepersonality trait from a plurality of personality traits. Thepersonality trait may be a positive trait, or a negative trait. Forexample, the user may be experiencing a negative trait such as “stress”.The user may select “stress” as a personality trait to be improved. Theapplication upon receiving the input from the user, provides informationpertaining to “stress”. Further, the application may suggest alternatetraits for selection. The alternate traits may be “anxiety” and “worry”,which may be closely related to or capable of being confused with theinitially selected trait “stress”. The user may selects at least one ofthe alternate traits suggested or may proceed with initially selectedtrait “stress”. The application further provides a scale which isoperable by the user to select a position on the scale. The position mayindicate the user's perception of his character corresponding to theselected trait. The application is further configured to suggest actionsto be performed by the user to improve the selected trait. The actionsuggested may be associated with at least one of a physical action, amind action, a dietary action and a brain action. The user uponperforming an action, may log the action in the application. Theapplication uses the log to determine the status of the selected trait,and may reflect the status on the scale. The application may alsoconsider deterioration of impact of the performed actions on thepersonality trait to determine the status of the trait, at any instance,and reflect the status on the scale. The application may be furtherconfigured to allow a user to alter the position of the status of thetrait on the scale, as per his perception. The application may considerthe difference between the altered position and the position computed bythe application to reconfigure the effectiveness of one or more actionson the trait for future computation of status of the trait.

The following detailed description includes references to theaccompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. Thedrawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments.These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, itwill be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the presentinvention may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not beendescribed in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of theembodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can beutilized or structural and logical changes can be made without departingfrom the scope of the invention. The following detailed description may,therefore, not to be taken as a limiting sense.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term“or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “A or B”includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwiseindicated.

Now referring to the figures, and more specifically to FIG. 1, a system100 is provided for improving personality traits, in accordance with anembodiment. The system 100 may be hosted by a data processing device,and preferably by a mobile data communication device. Examples of amobile data communication device include, but are not limited to, smartphone, smart watch, tablet, phablet and laptop, among others. The dataprocessing device may include at least one processor and a memorymodule, which are used by the system 100. System 100 includes anapplication module 102 and a database module 104. The application module102 is executed by the processor, and the database module 104 is storedin the memory module. The application module 102 executed on theprocessor is configured to communicate with the database module 104 tosave or retrieve data using a communication bus.

The application module 102 may include a logging module 106, anassessment module 108, a fine tuning module 110 and a user interfacemodule 112.

The database module 104 may include a personality trait database 114 andan action database 116. The personality trait database 114 may include alist of personality traits, such as stress 118 a, anxiety 118 b, fear118 c and anger 118 d, among others. The personality traits may mean andinclude one or more human traits and emotional traits. Each personalitytrait 118 may be associated with an information page 120, an alternatetrait suggestion module 122, a trait equation 124 and an actionsequencing logic 126.

The information page 120 may include information corresponding to thetrait. The information corresponding to the trait may includeinformation corresponding to reasons causing the trait, symptomscorresponding to the trait, impact of the trait on a person and othertraits that may be confused with the instant trait, among otherinformation. The information page 120 may even enable selection of analternate trait to work on instead of the trait to which the informationpage 120 relates.

The alternate trait suggestion module 122 corresponding to a trait 118includes a list of one or more traits other than the instant trait 118,which may be selected by a user. Table 1 below provides an exemplarylist of traits, and alternative traits for each trait in the list.

TABLE 1 Traits Alternate trait Pessimism Depression, Happiness WorryAnxiety, Stress Empathy Relationships Depression Pessimism, HappinessAnxiety Worry, Social Anxiety, Stress Social Anxiety Anxiety StressAnxiety, Worry Anger Aggression Aggression/Violence Anger RelationshipsTrust, Empathy Submissiveness Social Anxiety Self Esteem Depression,social anxiety, submissiveness Self control Aggression, Anger TrustRelationships Happiness Pessimism, Depression

The trait equation 124 for the trait 118 includes an equation fordetermining current status of the trait. An exemplary trait equation isprovided below:

T_(V) = T_(I) + Min(E_(Hmax), E_(H)) + Min(E_(Mmax), E_(M))$E_{H} = {{h_{1}*\frac{H_{1}}{100}} + {h_{2}*\frac{H_{2}}{100}} + {h_{3}*\frac{H_{3}}{100}} + \ldots}$${E_{M} = {{m\; 1\left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^{\frac{t\; 1}{t\; 1\; {half}}}} + {m\; 2\left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^{\frac{t\; 2}{t\; 2\; {half}}}} + {m\; 3\left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^{\frac{t\; 3}{t\; 3\; {half}}}} + \ldots}}\;$$H_{1} = {{a\; 1\left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^{(\frac{t\; a\; 1}{t\; h\; 1\; {half}})}} + {a\; 2\left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^{(\frac{t\; a\; 2}{t\; h\; 1\; {half}})}} + {a\; 3\left( \frac{1}{2} \right)^{(\frac{t\; a\; 3}{t\; h\; 1\; {half}})}} + \ldots}$

Where,

-   -   T_(v): Current trait value;    -   T_(I): User defined trait value;    -   E_(Hmax): Maximum effectiveness of doing only physical and        dietary actions;    -   E_(Mmax): Maximum effectiveness of doing only mind and brain        actions;    -   E_(H): Current effectiveness of all physical and dietary actions        performed by user;    -   E_(M): Current effectiveness of all mind and brain actions        performed by user;    -   h1, h2 and h3 are the weightage for the hormones;    -   H1, H2 and H3 are the current absolute percentage changes from        the normal level of hormones;    -   a1, a2, a3 are the initial percentage increase of the hormone        for its corresponding physical or food action;    -   ta1, ta2, ta3 are the elapsed time from the time each of the        respective actions (a1, a2, a3) was taken;    -   th1half is the half life or deterioration of the hormone's (H1)        effect on the trait;    -   m1, m2, m3 are the initial percentage improvement in the trait        for its corresponding mind action;    -   t1, t2, t3 are the elapsed time from the time each of the        respective actions (m1, m2, m3) was taken; and    -   t1half, t2half, t3half are the half life or deterioration of the        actions (m1, m2, m3) effect on the trait.

The action sequencing logic 126 includes instructions that may enablethe application module 102 to suggest one or more actions to beperformed to improve the trait 118.

The action database 116 includes a list of actions that may beassociated with at least one of a physical action, a mind action, adietary action and a brain action. Actions, for example can be,meditation 128 a, exercise 128 b and drinking black tea 128 c, amongothers. An action, such as exercise 128 b may be physical actions;meditation 128 a may be mind actions; and drinking black tea 128 c maybe dietary action. Each action 128 may be associated with an informationpage 130, a cue page 132, effect on one or more hormones 134 and effecton mind corresponding to one or more traits 136, among others.

The action associated with the physical action changes one or morehormone levels. Further while executing the physical action the energyexpended in the body is more compared to the energy expended in thebrain. Similarly, the action associated with the mind action may involvethinking about the specific trait in a way which may change thestructure of the brain by changing the Axons, Receptors and/or thenumber of Neurons. Actions associated with the brain action may involveexercising the brain, for example, by way of playing a video game orsolving a puzzle, among others. The action associated with the dietaryaction is adding or deleting specific foods which changes one or morehormone levels.

The information page 130 may include information corresponding to theaction 128, such as methodology of performing an action and preparation,among others. The information may be in the form of one or more of text,image, video and audio.

The cue page 132 or an action page may provide information about whenand where the action may be performed. The cue page 132 or the actionpage may further include information about the advantage(s) ofperforming the action.

Effect on one or more hormones 134 may include values, such as numericvalues reflecting the impact of performing the action on one or morehormones. The value(s) may be used in the trait equation. Similarly,effect on mind corresponding to one or more traits 136 may includevalues, such as numeric values reflecting the impact of performing theaction on the mind in relation to one or more trait(s). The value(s) maybe used in the trait equation.

The user interface module 112 of the application module 102 isconfigured to enable a user to interact with the application 102. Theuser interface 112 allows the user to provide input to the applicationmodule 102. Further, the application module 102 provides informationand/or instructions to the user via the user interface.

The logging module 106 of the application module 102 enables logging ofthe actions performed by the user. The logging module 106 includes alist of actions performed by the user and the time of performing theactions.

In an embodiment, the user provides an input that an action has beenperformed. Such input is used to log the action in the logging module106. Alternatively, the logging module 106 is configured toautomatically log the performance of an action, upon detection that theaction has been performed. For example, the application module 102 mayprovide an action such as solving a quiz. As soon as the quiz is solvedor attempted to be solved, the performance of the action may be loggedin the logging module 106.

The assessment module 108 of the application module 102 is configured todetermine the current status of a selected trait 118. The assessmentmodule 108 uses the information in data in the logging module 106, traitequation 124 corresponding to the trait 118, the effect on one or morehormones 134 and effect on mind corresponding to one or more traits 136of the actions 128 performed, to determine the current status of theselected trait 118.

The fine tuning module 110 is configured to reconfigure theeffectiveness of one or more actions 128 on trait(s) 118 for futurecomputation of status of the trait(s) 118. The reconfiguration may bebased on the difference between a user's perception of the status of atrait 118 and the status of the trait 118 as computed by the assessmentmodule 108.

Referring to FIG. 2, a method for improving a personality trait 118 isprovided, in accordance with an embodiment. At step 202, a user selectsa trait 118 to work on. The user interface 112 provides an option to theuser for selecting at least one personality trait 118 from the pluralityof personality traits 118 present in the personality trait database 114.The personality trait may be something that has existed over asubstantial duration, and may have been moulded by reason of his genesand/or environment he is subjected to. For example, fear may be traitthat the user wishes to work on, and the instant trait of being fearfulmay have existed over a substantial span, and may not be something he isexperiencing at a particular instance (ex: being afraid upon spotting atiger). Referring to FIG. 3A, the user interface 112 provides a searchbox 302 that enable a user to enter a search query for selecting a traithe wishes to work on. A user may provide “stress” as a search query. Theuser interface 112 upon receiving the query may provide a list of fewrelevant suggestions 304. The instant figure illustrates a list ofexemplary suggestions provided for the query “stress”. Thesuggestions/search results may include “reduce my stress”, “be lessstressed” and “be less annoyed”, among many others. The user may selectsa personality trait, such as “stress”, by selecting “reduce my stress”presented in the search result 304. Upon selecting the personality trait“reduce my stress”, the application module 102 configures the userinterface 112 to navigate to an information page 120 associated with thetrait 118, which in this example is stress. In FIG. 3B the userinterface 112 is displaying an information page 120 associated with thetrait 118 “stress”. The information corresponding to the trait mayinclude information corresponding to reasons causing the trait, symptomscorresponding to the trait and impact of the trait on a person. At step204, the application module 102 suggests at least one alternatepersonality trait for selection based on the personality trait selectedby the user. In an embodiment, the information page 120 suggestsalternate personality traits 306 that may be related or confused withthe instant trait. For example, the alternative personality traits 306suggested for “stress” may be “anxiety” and “worry”. Further, the userinterface 112 provides an option to allow selection of at least one ofthe suggested alternate personality traits “anxiety” or “worry”. At step206, the application module 102 allows selection of at least one of thesuggested alternate personality traits or proceeding with the earlierselection. At step 208, the application module 102 suggests at least oneaction based on the personality trait selected by the user, wherein theaction is to cause an improvement in the selected personality trait ofthe user.

In an embodiment, upon selecting a personality trait at step 206, theapplication module 102 provides a scale operable by the user to select aposition on the scale. The position may be indicative of the user'sperception of his character corresponding to the selected personalitytrait. Referring to FIG. 3C, the user interface 112 displays a scale 308that is operable by the user to select a position on the scale 308indicative of the user's perception of his character corresponding tothe selected personality trait “stress”.

As recited earlier, the application module 102 suggests at least oneaction based on the personality trait selected by the user, wherein theaction is to cause an improvement in the selected personality trait ofthe user. Referring to FIG. 3D, the user interface 112 is displaying alist of actions to choose from to reduce stress. In this example, theactions suggested by the application module 102 for stress reduction aremeditation, power pose, talking to a loved one, positive self and blacktea. Each of the action suggested may be associated with at least one ofphysical action ‘P’, brain action ‘B’, mind action ‘M’ and dietaryaction ‘D’. The application module 102 suggests the actions based on theaction sequencing logic 126 associated with the selected trait. Theaction sequencing logic 126 may includes instructions to suggest actionsbased on one or more criteria, such as, but not limited to, simplicityof performing each of the actions, effectiveness of each of the actionsin changing the status of the selected personality trait, trait equation124 associated with the selected trait, status of the selected trait andthe actions which have been previously executed by the user.

The user interface 112 allows the user to select one or more of thesuggested actions. In an embodiment, the application module 102 enforcesrestriction on the type of actions that the user may select. Therestriction may be based on previously selected/performed actions andthe type of action that may have to be performed, based on the traitequation 124, to improve the selected trait. Further, the restrictionmay be at least based on effect of hormones on the personality trait andeffect of mind on the personality trait, which is also reflected in thetrait equation 124.

In an embodiment, the user is provided with an option to defer thesuggested action in the user interface 112. The application module 102upon receiving the decision to defer an action that is suggested, theapplication module 102 retrieves at least one alternative action to besuggested for the user to improve the status of the selected personalitytrait.

The application module 202 configures the user interface 112 to displayall the selected actions that have to be performed. The user interface112 may be configured to allow a user to access the information page 130associated with each of the actions. Referring to FIG. 3D, the userinterface 112 is displaying an information page 130 associated with theaction “power pose”. Additionally, the application module 102 mayprovide motivational information associated with each of the actions.

The user interface 112 may be further configured to allow the user toprepare a schedule for preforming each of the actions, access the cuepage 132 associated with each of the actions, and log the performance ofeach of the actions, which is logged in the logging module 106.

Referring to FIG. 4, a method for determining status of a selected traitis provided, in accordance with an embodiment. At step 402, theapplication module 102 retrieves the trait equation 124 associated withthe selected trait. Further, at step 404, the application module 102retrieves information associated with the selected trait from thelogging module 106. The information retrieved from the logging modulemay include initial or user defined value of the selected trait, actionsperformed by the user and the time of performing each of the actions.Additionally, at step 406, the application module 102 applies the traitequation 124 to determine the current value or status of the selectedtrait. The status or current value may be reflected on the scale.

In an embodiment, the application module 102 enables a user to modify oralter a position indicating status of a trait on the scale, from aposition determined by the assessment module 108. The application module102 calibrates future computation of status of traits based on thedifference between the application module 102 determined position andthe user altered position.

It shall be noted that the processes described above is described assequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration.Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some stepsmay be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some stepsmay be performed simultaneously.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to specificexample embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications andchanges may be made to these embodiments without departing from thebroader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will nodoubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art afterhaving read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that thephraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation. It is to be understood that thedescription above contains many specifications, these should not beconstrued as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providingillustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of thisinvention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examplesgiven.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for improving personality traits,wherein the system comprises at least one processor configured to:provide an option to a user for selecting at least one personality traitfrom a plurality of personality traits; suggest at least one alternatepersonality trait for selection based on the personality trait selectedby the user; allow selection of at least one of the suggested alternatepersonality traits or proceed with the earlier selection; and suggestone or more actions based on the personality trait selected by the user,wherein the action is to cause an improvement in the selectedpersonality trait of the user.
 2. The system according to claim 1,wherein each of the personality traits has existed over a substantialduration, and has been moulded by reason of at least one of his genesand environment he is subjected to.
 3. The system according to claim 1,further configured to provide a scale operable by the user to select aposition on the scale, wherein the position is indicative of the user'sperception of his character corresponding to the selected personalitytrait.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the actions aresuggested based on at least one of simplicity of performing the actions,effectiveness of each of the actions in changing a status of theselected personality trait, a trait equation associated with theselected personality trait and actions which have previously executed bythe user.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of theactions is associated with at least one of a physical action, a mindaction, a dietary action and a brain action.
 6. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the system is further configured to determine status ofthe selected personality trait by considering a user defined position ofa status of the selected personality trait, actions performed by theuser among the suggested actions, effectiveness of the actions performedby the user on the selected personality trait and deterioration ofimpact of the actions on the selected personality trait.
 7. The systemaccording to claim 6, wherein the system is further configured to enablethe user to alter the status of the selected personality trait from thestatus determined by the system.
 8. The system according to claim 7,wherein the system is further configured to calibrate futuredetermination of the status of at least the selected personality traitbased on difference between the status determined by the system and thestatus altered by the user.
 9. The system according to claim 6, whereinthe deterioration of impact of an action among the actions over theselected personality trait is based on a time elapsed since the actionwas performed.
 10. A system for improving personality traits, whereinthe system comprises at least one processor configured to: suggest oneor more actions to cause an improvement in a personality trait of auser, and determine change in status of the personality trait based onuser defined position of a status of the personality trait, actionsperformed by the user among the suggested actions, effectiveness of theactions performed by the user on the personality trait and deteriorationof impact of the actions on the personality trait.
 11. The systemaccording to claim 10, is further configured to allow the user to selectone or more actions from the suggested actions, wherein the systemenforces restriction on type of actions that the user can select atleast based on effect of hormones on the personality trait and effect ofmind on the personality trait.
 12. The system according to claim 10,wherein each of the actions is associated with at least one of aphysical action, a mind action, a dietary action and a brain action. 13.The system according to claim 10, is further configured to: provide anoption to the user for selecting at least one personality trait from aplurality of personality traits; suggest at least one alternatepersonality trait for selection based on the personality trait selectedby the user; and allow selection of at least one of the suggestedalternate personality traits or proceed with the earlier selection. 14.The system according to claim 13, wherein the alternate personalitytrait is related to or capable of being confused with the earlierselection of the personality trait.
 15. The system according to claim10, is further configured to suggest at least one alternate action uponthe user deferring at least one of the suggested actions.
 16. A methodfor improving personality traits, the method comprising: providing adigital scale operable by a user to select a position on the scale,wherein the position is indicative of the user's perception of hischaracter corresponding to a selected personality trait; determining acurrent status of the personality trait at least based on the userselected position on the scale and actions performed by the user,allowing the user to alter the determined current status of thepersonality trait; and calibrating future determination of the status ofthe personality trait based on difference between the determined currentstatus and the status altered by the user.
 17. The method according toclaim 16, further comprising suggesting one or more actions based on thepersonality trait selected by the user.
 18. The method according toclaim 17, wherein each of the actions is associated with at least one ofa physical action, a mind action, a dietary action and a brain action.19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising enforcingrestriction on type of actions that the user can select at least basedon effect of hormones on the personality trait and effect of mind on thepersonality trait.
 20. The method according to claim 16, whereindetermining the current status of the personality trait furthercomprises considering deterioration of impact of the actions performedon the selected personality trait.